Renovators/Contractors

If you're renovating your home, here are some helpful tips and useful advice regarding electrical service to keep in mind.

Renovation Electricity Checklist

1. Advise Hydro Ottawa
   Advise the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA), allowing as much lead time as possible 1-877-372-7233
   
   
2. Know the location of your
   - Fuse or circuit breaker panel
   - Electric meter
   - Electric water heater
   
   
3. Call Before You Dig
   If you or your contractor plan to install a pool, fence, plant a tree, dig a garden, landscape, excavate, or add a room to a house, call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 to locate burried cables. This is a FREE service for excavators and homeowners, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
   
   
4. Disconnection of Electricity Service
   With the receipt of a written request from the landlord, Hydro Ottawa will disconnect the supply of electricity to a vacant premise. Should the service be disconnected for more than six months the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) may require that the service conform to its current code requirements when re-energised. We recommend you call the ESA at 1-877-372-7233 regarding possible electrical contractor work and ESA permit / inspection fees.

Upgrading Service/Electrical Panel, Relocating Your Meter
If your renovations include upgrading your electrical service/panel and/or moving your electric meter outdoors, call our Customer Service Desk at (613) 738-6400.

Overhead Wires
If you're renovating or remodelling the exterior of your home, remember an aluminum ladder, antenna or any other metal tool that contacts a power line can cause a neighbourhood power failure and result in severe injury or electroluction. Look up first!

Safety of Electrical Work
There are a number of regulations in place to ensure that electrical installations are safe:

1. An electrical inspection permit should be obtained from the Department of the Electrical Safety Authority of Ontario 1-877-372-7233, which is the authority responsible for ensuring compliance with the Ontario Electrical Safety Code.
   
   
2. The contractor hired to do work in Ottawa must be licensed by the City of Ottawa as an Electrical Contractor and employ a licensed Master Electrician. The city requires all licensed contractors to maintain minimum levels of insurance for public liability and property damage.
   
   
3. Equipment and materials installed as part of the work must be approved by the Canadian Standards Association or the Department of the Electrical Safety Authority of Ontario 1-877-372-7233.